BBC Radio 1 has announced the next wave of rising stars selected as Annie Nightingale Pioneers 2025 – an initiative dedicated to spotlighting exceptional women and non-binary DJs making waves in the global dance and electronic scene.
Created in honour of the late Annie Nightingale – Radio 1’s first female DJ and longest-serving presenter – the initiative continues her legacy of championing boundary-pushing artists and underrepresented voices in electronic music. Since launching in 2021, it has become a platform for innovation, inclusion, and emerging talent.
Now in its fifth year, Annie Nightingale Pioneers continues to celebrate those shaping the future of club culture. Each year, three emerging DJs are selected to share their sound and vision on Radio 1, offering listeners a fresh take on the ever-evolving world of electronic music.
The 2025 recipients are (in alphabetical order):
Heléna Star
Heléna Star is a DJ, radio presenter and host known for her uplifting sets spanning house, techno and global bass. A key figure in the UK’s underground community, she has played at Fabric, Panorama Bar, Dimensions, Love International and Glastonbury’s Block9, performing alongside artists such as Jayda G, Octo Octa and Eliza Rose. Beyond the decks, Heléna presents a regular show on Foundation FM and co-hosts ‘THERAPY’, a podcast exploring parenthood in the music industry.
Heléna Star says: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been chosen as one of this year’s Pioneers. For many young women, Annie was a great inspiration and is part of the reason I saw radio as a career option. I’m really excited to share this mix with listeners, it’s a complete overview of all the sounds and styles that I love. The music I champion comes from the soul, a want to connect and spread joy. All qualities Annie possessed and ones I hope to continue passing down to the next generation.”
Saint Ludo
Saint Ludo is a DJ and producer born in California, raised in Italy and now based in London. Her high-energy sets which blend UK bass, UK garage and jungle have earned praise from Dazed and Mixmag and have garnered support from the likes of Chase & Status and Skrillex.
She is also a Rinse FM resident and has performed at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and The Warehouse Project alongside artists including Nia Archives and Overmono. Her viral single ‘Subliminals’ recently surpassed half a million streams, marking another huge milestone as she prepares for her debut EP.
Saint Ludo says: “I am deeply honoured to be an Annie Nightingale Pioneer. Annie’s work changed the narrative of who belongs in dance music and radio, and I’m humbled and excited to carry forward that mission.”
TAAHLIAH
Glasgow-born DJ and producer TAAHLIAH is known for her bold fusion of pop, club and experimental sounds. She has performed worldwide, including at Fabric, Razzmatazz, Dour Festival, Glastonbury and Sziget, and sold out the Southbank Centre for a one-off collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra.
In 2024, TAAHLIAH released her debut album ‘Gramarye’ which earned nominations for the Scottish Album of the Year and AIM Awards’ Best Independent Album. She has also presented on BBC 6 Music, covering for Mary Anne Hobbs.
TAAHLIAH says: “Honoured beyond words to be chosen as one of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers. To be recognised in her legacy is both humbling and electrifying; she paved the way for so many boundary-pushing artists and I can only hope to continue that energy by creating space for new worlds through sound.”
The 2025 recipients will each appear in a special show on Saturday 8 November from 11pm-2am, showcasing a bespoke mix reflecting their artistry and influences.
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “Annie’s legacy lives on through this initiative, which continues to champion and open doors for new DJ’ing talent. This year’s Pioneers each bring something truly original, and I can’t wait to hear what they have in store.”
